Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.
--1 Peter 1:3-4
In these troubling times, have you ever wondered if we can really be hopeful about the future? I want to assure you that it is possible to live with hope, despite what may be going on around us.
Because while hope is ultimately about the future, it’s also about the present. And that’s because we have a living hope.
Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ we have hope. It’s because He lives that hope can reside in your heart if you’re a Christian.
And because of that, there is no need to fear the future! If you are a child of God, you are chosen and called by Him. You’re not an accident, an afterthought, or a mistake. You have been in the heart and mind of God forever, and He has already been planning and preparing your future.
In fact, God knows the end from the beginning… and everything else in your life. That’s comforting when we face tough times and when we’re tempted to give up. It’s encouraging to know that we are never, ever without hope!
So today, if you’re tempted to give up on your marriage, don’t! If you’re thinking about giving up on your kids, don’t! If you want to give up on your dreams… or even life itself… don’t!
Remember that you have a living hope that is working in your past, your present, and your future. And as the Scripture teaches us in Romans chapter 5, that hope does not disappoint!
TODAY, GIVE GOD THANKS FOR KEEPING YOUR FUTURE IN HIS HANDS!
Tuesday, April 09, 2019
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
John 10:8–10
Stéphane Breitwieser has spent more time visiting art museums than almost anyone else in the world. Though under the terms of his release from prison he is not supposed to enter any museum, the man known as the most prolific art thief in history continues to don disguises and pay visit to view priceless works of art—including many that he once stole. Most of his thefts were carried out in the middle of the day when the guards were distracted. Breitwieser’s stealing became almost a compulsion. Once in Belgium he saw an empty museum display case with a card inside that read “Objects removed for study” and he stole the card! Breitwieser confessed to nearly two hundred robberies across Europe, and in February of 2019 was arrested yet again on suspicion of a museum robbery in France.
Jesus described Satan as a thief who delights in taking what is precious to others and claiming it for himself, leaving destruction and death behind. The devil may be portrayed as a comical figure by the world, but he is a real, serious, and deadly foe to every child of God. Yet like a museum without adequate security to protect the treasures inside, many Christians leave the doors of their lives open and unguarded. If we do that, we should not be surprised when Satan takes advantage of our inattention to bring destruction and steal what is most precious to us. There are no “off days” when we can let down our guard.
Today's Growth Principle:
The devil greatly desires to destroy your life, and if you give him the smallest chance, he will.
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